Matrix-Free Laser Desorption Ionization Sample Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sample plates for laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry require a matrix compound for analysis, leading to difficulties in reproducibility and accuracy due to reliance on matrix compound selection and quality, as well as potential interference from foreign substances.
Innovation Solution
A sample plate with a hydrophilic thin film capable of absorbing laser rays and a water-repellent thin film comprising surface-hydrophobized nanoparticles, where the water contact angle of the water-repellent film is 120° or more, allowing for selective sample support without a matrix compound, enhancing analysis reproducibility and signal clarity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a matrix compound is used for laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry, then ionization of measurement target molecules can be achieved, but reproducibility and accuracy of analysis deteriorate due to matrix compound selection and quality variations
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the matrix compound from the mass spectrometry system by using a hydrophilic thin film that can directly absorb laser rays and transfer energy to the sample, enabling matrix-free laser desorption/ionization while maintaining reliable and reproducible analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical and chemical parameters of the sample plate by using a hydrophilic thin film with specific laser absorption characteristics, which alters the energy transfer mechanism from matrix-mediated to direct sample ionization, thereby improving reproducibility
2Measurement precision
If a conventional sample plate with hydrophobic surface is used, then sample coating can be achieved, but foreign substances are detected together with the sample, reducing measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by creating a hydrophilic thin film with specific surface properties in the laser irradiation region, which selectively interacts with the sample while preventing adsorption of foreign substances, thereby improving measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite structure consisting of a hydrophilic thin film on a substrate, where the thin film material is specifically selected to have both hydrophilic properties for sample interaction and laser absorption characteristics, reducing interference from foreign substances
3Productivity
If a hydrophilic thin film capable of absorbing laser rays is used, then direct ionization of sample without matrix compound can be achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the optical and surface properties of the thin film by selecting materials with appropriate band gaps and hydrophilic characteristics, enabling direct laser absorption and sample ionization while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through established thin film deposition techniques
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The sample plate enables accurate and reproducible laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry by efficiently ionizing samples without a matrix compound, improving signal intensity and reducing interference from contaminants.
Implementation Method 1
a hydrophilic thin film capable of absorbing a laser ray
Implementation Method 2
laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry
Implementation Method 3
a water-repellent thin film comprising surface-hydrophobized nanoparticles
Implementation Method 4
a water contact angle of the water-repellent thin film is 120° or more
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a sample plate for laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry, comprising: a hydrophilic thin film capable of absorbing a laser ray; and a water-repellent thin film comprising surface-hydrophobized nanoparticles and being stacked in a region other than a region to be a sample spot on a surface of the hydrophilic thin film, wherein a water contact angle of the water-repellent thin film is 120° or more.